Festival Spora Transforms Chapultepec Forest into a Fungal Universe
The Chapultepec Forest, the heart of Mexico City, is preparing to host one of the most mesmerizing experiences of the season: a bioluminescent night picnic amidst giant mushrooms that glow in the dark. The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 19, 2025, from 8:00 PM to 11:00 PM in the Botanical Garden of the First Section of Mexico City’s capital forest as part of the Festival Spora, a free event aiming to bring the public closer to the surprising world of the Fungi Kingdom.
Picnic Beyond Leisure: A Sensory Immersive Experience
The picnic will be more than a moment of leisure; it’s a sensory and immersive experience featuring art installations, glow-in-the-dark lighting, ambient music, and decor inspired by natural bioluminescence found in certain mushrooms. Through art, science, and gastronomy, Spora seeks to raise awareness about the ecological and cultural importance of these often overlooked organisms.
Details for Attendees
- Bring your own food: Attendees are encouraged to bring their own simple meals in a basket, such as fruit, sandwiches, or pizza.
- Arrive early: Access is free but with limited capacity, so it’s recommended to arrive at least two hours before the event.
- No pets, alcohol, or illegal substances: It’s strictly prohibited to bring pets, alcoholic beverages, or illegal substances.
Del Bosque
Festival Spora: A Four-Day Celebration of Fungi
Beyond the picnic, the Festival Spora will take place from April 17 to 20 with over 260 free activities spread across 17 venues within the Chapultepec Forest. These activities include workshops, conferences, mushroom-themed walks, concerts, exhibitions, and immersive experiences. This 2025 edition reaffirms the festival’s commitment to integrating ancestral knowledge, biotechnology, contemporary art, and environmental activism into a single space.
Fungi in Urban Ecosystems: A Cultural Focus
In an era where sustainability is a cultural cornerstone, events like Spora not only celebrate biodiversity but also promote a deeper connection with urban ecosystems.
Key Questions and Answers
- What is Festival Spora? Festival Spora is a free, four-day event in Mexico City’s Chapultepec Forest celebrating the Fungi Kingdom through art, science, and gastronomy.
- When and where does it take place? The festival runs from April 17 to 20, 2025, with various activities across 17 venues in the Chapultepec Forest, including a bioluminescent night picnic on April 19.
- What can attendees expect? Attendees can participate in workshops, conferences, guided walks, concerts, exhibitions, and immersive experiences that highlight the ecological and cultural importance of fungi.
- Is there a bioluminescent picnic? Yes, there is a night picnic on April 19 featuring glowing mushroom installations, ambient music, and an opportunity to bring your own simple meal.
- What are the rules for attending the picnic? Attendees should bring their own food, arrive early due to limited capacity, and refrain from bringing pets, alcohol, or illegal substances.
